HANAMI BRASSERIE, a new sushi spot, is now open in the former FULL MOON THAI BISTRO location on 9th Avenue (we mentioned that one awhile back). The space, which seats 45, includes a 6-seat chef’s counter and warm yellow walls with black wide-plank wood flooring. There are cushy white leather chairs at some tables and bench seating at others, plus red glass pendant lamps. There are cute details, too, like LED lights that look like plum blossoms above the chef’s counter. One wall of the front dining room is filled by an inset shadow box displaying a variety of sake flasks and cups, with a different set in each box.
In the food department, they’ve got most of the sushi standbys, with some more inventive dishes like sea bass with braised shimeji mushroom or the, ahem, asparagus tempura, shrimp, and salmon spring roll with “sweaty sour sauce” (that has got to be one of the best menu translations we’ve seen in a long time). Take a look at the full menu here and the drink list here. There are also plans to open a back patio in the future. Hours are Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm and Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. 1220 9th Ave. at Lincoln, 415-564-2222.
Those of you who like to enjoy your pozole alfresco will be happy to know the front part of NOPALITO ON 9TH’s patio is now open, with 12-15 seats. The back patio will hold around 30 additional seats and will open for general seating once our Indian summer arrives (it’s coming, right?). The back patio is reportedly teeming with jasmine and other vining foliage, so it will smell heavenly once it opens. For now, the back patio is only available for small parties and buyouts. 1224 9th Ave. at Lincoln, 415-233-9966.
The exterior at Hanami. Photo: Rebecca Kinney. © tablehopper.com.
